Fifteen people suspected to be involved in the peddling and use of narcotic drugs and cannabis were arrested in an operation at Tema Community 1 and Ashaiman on Friday.
The operation, coordinated by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), in collaboration with the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Pharmacy Council, and the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the CID, also led to the seizure of large quantities of opioids and other products such as cannabis and unregistered drugs.
Briefing the media at its headquarters, the Head of Tobacco and Substance of Abuse Directorate of the FDA, Dr Mrs Olivia A. Boateng, said that the swoop was one of the many strategies the FDA had adopted to minimise the abuse of opioids in the country.
She explained that the operation that was carried out on Friday would be extended to other parts of the country with the support of the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders across the 16 regions.
Dr Boateng said the drugs as well as the suspects that were arrested during the swoop operation, would be handed over to the NACOC for further investigations to be carried out.
She stated that those who would be found guilty after the investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Also, she cautioned the general public about the abuse of opioids while highlighting the negative health impact it had on the youth.
Dr Boateng further indicated that the FDA would continue to intensify its awareness creation on the abuse of opioids in communities, churches, and schools, and also enhance strict boarder control to ensure that the opioids did not enter the country.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
